Friday, October 26, 2007

parks or condos

bill rappleye

new waterfront in Providence

when the highway move in Providence is complete…in 2012…some thirty acres of land will be freed up…for a city to gain waterfront land this late in its development is a tremendous opportunity.  That land is subject to a process, which has already begun.  But the process is not complete.  some of the land is in India Point Park, below the bridge, at the old shooters nightclub.  And while the state could get a lot of money from a developer for the waterfront property with the view of the Bay, most people who responded to the question about the disposition of the property, would rather see it preserved for the public.  Here’s what the e-mails said…

The Providence River waterfront should not be cluttered with more condos. There should be Restaurants, and shops and parks with plenty of dockage for boaters to tie up to for access to the shops and restaurants. I am a boater and wish that there were more places to go in this state while on the water.
Larry S, Cumberland

You know as well as I do that the common people will have no ability to spend any time on the waterfront.
It will be full of high priced clubs and eateries that will allowed the privileged few to enjoy the water.
If condos are built they’ll go for huge money and again normal working people will not be allowed in the neighborhood.
Judith, Coventry

While I understand that office/condo development would probably bring income to the city and state, I would prefer the land be left open for all. As it stands now both the city of Providence and the State government have no inclination to limit their spending. Why give them more to abuse? The new building in downtown across from the mall is already an eyesore, we certainly don’t need any more of that. But what takes your eye when you stroll along the river is how beautiful it turned out. Waterplace Park and the paths are clearly a major attraction. And if nothing else will stem the tide of buildings, what happens when that “100 year storm” hits Providence. Taking “Katrina” as an example, the hurricane barrier will only be a flash in the pan in stopping the water from covering the downtown area. It will be much cheaper to replace park land than destroyed buildings. Because in the end the money always comes from the taxpayer.
Ed B

Absolutely…..without a doubt…..100%.....PARKS!!!! Condos bring nothing to the table. The cost, of the services they use, & that are also provided to them, by the municipality, just as they are also provided to every other residence, is more than the property taxes they pay. Plus condos, & other forms of gated/private residential development, including private docking areas, & Yacht Club expansions, along ANY waterfront in this state, just restricts “public access”  to the waterfront, by the general public, one little piece at a time.
Hound Dog, Bristol

My son moved to Baltimore 4 years ago, and the 2’nd best thing to seeing him and his wife is spending time at the inner harbor area. Why can’t something like that be done here in Providence, Rhode Island? There is a mix of business, residential, museums, restaurants, shopping and entertainment in an area with about the same footprint. It will be an investment that will take time but with the waterfires a success why not add to that type of atmosphere?
Brian D

It would be parks all the way.  Since leaving the state I can tell you that the majority of the people in Florida would like to have their open space back.  The developers have turned a lot of the beach front into condos on both coasts and one it is gone it is gone and so is the public access.  Rhode Island has taken away a lot of public access as have a lot of states. It is very important to preserve the open areas we have and to open up as much as we can.
Ken B, Gulfport, Florida

It should definitely be parks, there are plenty of condos throughout the state, lets enjoy some of R. I. ‘s lovely areas as they should be.
Dottie

Couldn’t we do what’s best? Perhaps a mix of condos AND parks. The condos to increase the tax base and the parks to promote open areas for people and wildlife (and I don’t mean a nightclub either)!
Many towns and cities are looking at mixed use areas.
PM, Warren

The waterfront area looks like a dump when you come up the highway.
Sure it would be better to have a park there when the old highway is removed, but, I’m sure the “insiders” have plans to sell the property for big bucks just like downtown. What this state really needs is leadership that will bring in companies and jobs. Unfortunately we have another rich guy that just wants to play “King of Rhode Island”.
Az Usual

Of course with the environment getting trashed daily, a park would be ideal. Bring some touch of nature back to the area and let the people have somewhere to go to enjoy it. Alas, our politicians will have nothing of it since they will want condos.  That way they can get a financial cut because they’ll have unions build them.  Of course the condos will be so high priced that no one will afford them and they will sit empty. The politicians will build anything to keep unions employed.
Bill B

I would just say keep an eye on the process, and let the politicians know where you stand on this.  The land at the head of the Bay is a beautiful place that everyone can enjoy.  One of the groups involved intimately with the property below the bridges is the group, friends of india point park http://www.friendsofindiapointpark.org/park.html 
If you care, stay on top of this!